Network segmentation for multi-dwelling unit (MDU)

Abstract

Methods and systems for provisioning content streaming service are provided. An example method includes dividing a network associated with a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) having multiple zones within the MDU into multiple network segments respectively corresponding to the multiple zones, dividing a content resource provided by the MDU into multiple segments respectively corresponding to the multiple network segments. Each segment of the content resource includes content items specific to the corresponding network segment based on a predetermined network policy. The method further includes receiving a request from a user equipment (UE) for access to a content item of the content resource, determining that the UE is associated with one of the network segments and that the requested content item is included in the segment of content resource specific to the network segment, and granting the access to the content item to the UE.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising:
 dividing a network associated with a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) having a plurality of zones within the MDU into a plurality of network segments respectively corresponding to the plurality of zones; 
 dividing a content resource provided by the MDU into a plurality of content segments respectively corresponding to the plurality of network segments, each content segment of the content resource comprising content items specific to the corresponding network segment based on a predetermined network policy; 
 receiving a user request sent from a user equipment (UE) for access to a content item of the content resource; 
 determining that the UE is associated with one of the network segments and that the requested content item is included in the content segment of content resource specific to the network segment, based on the network policy; and 
 granting the access to the content item to the UE; 
 wherein the content item is a shared recording stored in the content segment of content resource. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 dividing an IP address pool assigned to the network into a plurality of IP address ranges using a subnet mask; 
 assigning the plurality of IP address ranges respectively to the plurality of network segments, wherein the network segments are subnets; and 
 assigning a unique network identifier to each one of the subnets. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 configuring a router connected to the network to route network traffic between the subnets and provide access control for each subnet. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the unique network identifier for each network segment comprises at least one of: a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), a Service Set Identifier (SSID), and a Media Access Control (MAC) address. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 configuring a switch connected to the router to manage connections between the user and the router. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 configuring an access point (AP) connected to the router to provide access to the UE connected to the subnet, according to the unique network identity assigned to the subnet. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 configuring a router connected to the network to create a plurality of virtual interfaces for each network segment, wherein each network segment is a virtual local area network (VLAN); 
 assigning a plurality of IP address ranges respectively to the plurality of virtual interfaces; and 
 assigning a unique network identifier to each one of the VLANs. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 configuring one or more access point (AP) connected to each one of the VLANs to broadcast the unique network ID assigned to the VLAN; and 
 providing access of the content item to the UE connected to the VLAN, according to the unique network ID for the VLAN. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the content item is a channel list of TV programs. 
     
     
       10. A system comprising:
 one or more processors; and 
 a computer-readable storage media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to:
 divide a network associated with a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) having a plurality of zones within the MDU into a plurality of network segments respectively corresponding to the plurality of zones; 
 divide a content resource provided by the MDU into a plurality of content segments respectively corresponding to the plurality of network segments, each content segment of the content resource comprising content items specific to the corresponding network segment based on a predetermined network policy; 
 receive a user request sent from a user equipment (UE) for access to a content item of the content resource; 
 determine that the UE is associated with one of the network segments and that the requested content item is included in the content segment of content resource specific to the network segment, based on the network policy; and 
 grant the access to the content item to the UE; 
 wherein the content item is a shared recording stored in the content segment of content resource. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the instructions are further executable to cause one or more electronic processors of the system to:
 divide an IP address pool assigned to the network into a plurality of IP address ranges using a subnet mask; 
 assign the plurality of IP address ranges respectively to the plurality of network segments, wherein the network segments are subnets; and 
 assign a unique network identifier to each one of the subnets. 
 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 11 , wherein the instructions are further executable to cause one or more electronic processors of the system to:
 configure a router connected to the network to route network traffic between the subnets and provide access control for each subnet. 
 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 11 , wherein the unique network identifier for each network segment comprises at least one of: a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), a Service Set Identifier (SSID), and a Media Access Control (MAC) address. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the instructions are further executable to cause one or more electronic processors of the system to:
 configure a switch connected to the router to manage connections between the user and the router. 
 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the instructions are further executable to cause one or more electronic processors of the system to:
 configure an access point (AP) connected to the router to provide access to the UE connected to the subnet, according to the unique network identifier assigned to the subnet. 
 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the instructions are further executable to cause one or more electronic processors of the system to:
 configure a router connected to the network to create a plurality of virtual interfaces for each network segment, wherein each network segment is a virtual local area network (VLAN); 
 assign a plurality of IP address ranges respectively to the plurality of virtual interfaces; and 
 assign a unique network identifier to each one of the VLANs. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the instructions are further executable to cause one or more electronic processors of the system to:
 configure one or more access point (AP) connected to each one of the VLANs to broadcast the unique network ID assigned to the VLAN; and 
 provide access of the content item to the UE connected to the VLAN, according to the unique network ID for the VLAN. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the content item is a channel list of TV programs.